Cocoa Swap Presents!!!

I was soooooo excited today when I got an email from my cocoa swap buddy telling me that my package would be arriving within 24 hours and then I got home and saw it on the porch! I may have even let a small squeal of delight slip. Wowza did Mary send me some wonderful things! She made me a stuffed owl which is so adorable! I can't let my mom see it or she will certainly attempt to steal it from me. A whole bag of mini reeses cups too....mmm yummy, my favorite. The chocolate to peanut butter ratio is so much better than in the big ones. I also got hot cocoa of course but I got Aztec spicy hot cocoa and I can't wait to try it. I have always wanted to try the spicy Mexican version of cocoa. Naturally, I got yarn too (four skeins!!) and it's gorgeous bamboo yarn. I haven't yet knitted with bamboo but it feel very soft and silky so I am very excited about it. I think I might make a tank top of some sort for summer. It feels like a lighter breezier kind of yarn. Mary also sent me a neat little air freshener for my car...ocean water scented...to remind me that summer days aren't to far off...and she tucked in a row counter (thank you so much...I am embarking on my first lace project and will need it!) and some needle holders too.


Look at these great needles!They are hand painted and the stitch markers are hand made too. Very, very nice, thank you so very much Mary....I feel so incredibly spoiled!

Labels: cocoa swap

posted by dee @ 11:04 pm 3 comments

Cocoa Swap topic week #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

I am a very new knitter. I took a class at a wonderful little shop in downtown Royal Oak...Ewe-Nique Knits (there is a Ravelry group for it too now!) but since that was only just this past fall I haven't really had the time to change what I am knitting as of yet. After I made all my swatches and practice pieces I began my very first project, a poncho. It has turned out really well expect the neckline which I am having a bit of trouble with. I decided not to add the hood to it and just do a bit of ribbing but working in the round knitting a rib has become a challenge so I opted for the easy way out and decided to knit some stockinette instead so I would have a nice rolled neckline. I haven't started that yet because I haven't exactly figured out if I have to do standard stockinette or reverse...I do understand how to do it in the round but I can't seem to find any information anywhere on which to use so the roll will curl out and away from the neck.

Anyway, since I am still working on my first major project I haven't switched up much. I did make a couple dishcloths for a friend and am working on my second scarf.....hmm actually the scarves would be more because of winter. I made one for a friend (who doesn't wear it!!!) and am going to cast one on for my mom on my flight tomorrow. I really want to work on the neckline for the poncho on the plane but I don't want to risk taking my new beautiful harmony dpns and security not letting me take them with me. I suppose I could pick up a circ to do it with....this is how stashes begin to grow isn't it? Just one more skein, just one extra set of needles.....lol

Back to work with me....I think I answered the topic but rambled so much I can't be sure!!

Labels: cocoa swap

posted by dee @ 2:56 pm 1 comments

Scavenger Hunt

The cocoa swap I am in will be posting topics for participants to blog on and this weeks was a scavenger hunt. Really neat to browse through all the blogs :) I've linked them here too so the curious can peek too.


1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Alex E.
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Bianca B Alex E. Lyndsey-Jane C
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Jinxa
5. Name someone who crochets Mary B
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Kristen M.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) Emily H-K (1-8), Heather F (1-8)
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Jodi H
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Cindy F
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Geraldine P.
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Beth S - Turtle!
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Patti R.
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs Eva G.

Labels: cocoa swap

posted by dee @ 2:00 pm 0 comments

Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
Big mug and usually with water as I don't do milk unless it's after a lactaid pill! What sort I like...hmm....well as it's chocolate I don't think I'll be picky. Although one sort I have always wanted to try is the spicy sort like mexican hot chocolate.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Whipped cream.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
I am a newbie knitter so I haven't many favorites yet but I love soft wools and don't care much for fad types like fun fur.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
I can crochet but am only knitting now.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
I like wood the best so far and just ordered my first set of harmony dpn's just cuz they are soooo pretty. Always willing to try something new.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
I have practically nothing as I just started knitting this year.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
More needles and a row counter.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)
Dishcloths.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
I love to watch it snow...it's so peaceful. Sledding ranks up there too. Ohh mulled wine...mmmm.
2. What is your favorite animal?
hmmm.....I am a birdwatcher so I do love birds in the wild. Especially owls.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
Not really to badly. I love having four distinct seasons so I really do enjoy them each for different reasons. What gets me down the most I think is just being so stunk indoors when it gets really cold.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
Didn't I already mention the mulled wine? :) Glass of wine and a good book is great as well as a movie marathon of comedy with a good friend to laugh with.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
Opening the windows in the house that first time and letting in the fresh cool air. Oh, and moving to England!
6. What are your favorite treat?
Mini reese peanut butter cups.
7. What is your favorite board game?
Polarity.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
Three boys...16, 14 and 6.
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
Nope :) Well actually now that I think about it...I don't care for white chocolate or mint-chocolate.

Labels: cocoa swap

posted by dee @ 3:53 am 0 comments